This dual-certification master of arts program prepares you to teach Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish* for grades 7-12, and English to speakers of other languages for grades K-12. Learn teaching strategies; build strong foundations in language, literacy, culture, and applied linguistics; and gain important classroom experience by student teaching in New York City schools. You'll broaden your teaching credentials and your career options.

This program leads to eligibility for New York State initial teaching certification in both your target foreign language and TESOL.

* Please note that we are not accepting applications for Teaching German, Hebrew, Latin, or Russian, Grades 7-12, while these programs are under faculty review.

What you'll learn

Second and foreign language teaching approaches that can be adjusted to suit the needs of learners from diverse linguistic, educational, and ethnic backgrounds

An understanding of urban educational environments and the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence learning

Second and foreign language pedagogy, second language acquisition research, applied linguistics in your target foreign language, English grammar, and intercultural or multicultural studies

How to develop and implement innovative classroom strategies and curricula

How you'll learn

Core Courses and Flexible StudyThis dual-certification MA combines core foundation classes and content electives with fieldwork and student teaching. You’ll study teaching methods, the second and foreign language classroom, applied linguistics in your target foreign language, structure of American English, intercultural or multicultural perspectives in education, teaching students with special needs, adolescent learners in urban contexts, and complete a culminating project. You can also take additional coursework to extend your foreign language teaching certification to include grades K-6.

Student Teaching in New York City SchoolsYou'll complete two semesters of student teaching at New York City schools – at the elementary level in TESOL, and the secondary level for your foreign language – while simultaneously taking a student teaching seminar. This is a great opportunity to integrate theory, practice, and subject content. Cooperating teachers and NYU faculty will offer feedback and guidance so you can develop and refine your teaching techniques.

A Community of ScholarsAs a graduate student in our program, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive learning community that takes an additive view of second and foreign language and culture acquisition, and believes that fluency in multiple languages is better than fluency in one. Our faculty members are recognized leaders in the field, and are always available to students through the courses they teach and individual advisement.